The Running Thread 🏃‍♀️

[Mamatoo2]

My playlist are so random. I find have songs that I no the words to as then I can sing a bit which can help my breathing. I also have diff ones set up for diff run lengths my 10k one from last years starts of with slower songs & then ramps up as that helps with my pacing, if I start out to fast then my runs done end up going to well

 

[Gogogem1234]

I'm going to mention my wonderful new toy/instrument of torture for dodgy gait, tight muscles and the like.

A wooden wobble board. I used to use one in Physio way back in the Dark Ages following a horrendous sprain/ligament/tendon buggerage and loved it. So I banged out about fifteen quid on one this week as it was payday.

It's really hard work, the tilt isn't enough to do any damage, but will stretch and/or challenge almost every muscle in your body. As the basic 'stand on it for five minutes' stops being a challenge, there's squats, standing on one leg and playing catch whilst stood on it. And some people use it for press ups and the like. I'm still doing my best not to fall off. And you can swap between doing it barefoot (strengthening the foot muscles in particular) and with trainers on (working more on the legs and backside).

IIRC, the Physio enthused about them because they help

Balance
Posture
Core strength
Proprioception
Tight muscles
Weak muscles
Non responsive/inactive muscles
Dodgy tendons and ligaments
Low impact
Functional strength
Cardiac fitness (not sure if that's due to physical exertion or just the FUCK I'M GOING TO FALL OFF response, though)

- whilst not contributing towards or exacerbating impact injuries/inflamed areas. Of which I have many.


I think that's everything. Except it's really , really fun - my physio sessions were shared with two huge bikers who had almost identical ankle injuries. We used to play Murderball for ten minutes each time - which is hurling bean bags, basketballs, tennis balls and anything else we could get our hands on at one another whilst all balancing.



Really, really hoping that the gyms open without a hitch, as I need to swim and do some weights as well. I only got as far as a purposeful circuit around the park before I had my vaccine at the weekend. The staff at the GP's looked pleasantly entertained that I turned up to my appointment in full kit - and the 'kind looking' smile I got from a proper runner as he lapped me twice was quite cheering.



I quite like the idea of a Park Walk/possibly trot for a bit but ultimately just get through it without taking all day or collapsing. That's OK on Parkrun, isn't it? I won't be pissing them off by keeping them waiting, will I?

Investing in a wobble board!

 

[Welshgal]

I don’t think it goes the whole way without the payment (I could be wrong) which is why I paid for it. If it does go the whole way without payment I think the only difference is you can’t skip ahead / get the optimisation element.

Ohh how smart/cruel of them! Then I guess I’ll have to pay The first run was definitely too easy so it’ll be worth it alone for the skipping

 

[nbx512]

I am soooo excited. I have been on 3 weeks rest due to a suspected stress fracture but physio has said I can now start incorporating power walking and hill climbing into my routine and then hopefully I can get back into running. I started swimming and have also bought a bike and I’m going to do a combo!

Slightly off topic kinda but have any of you competed in a small triathlon?? Can you recommend any good ones around the country as that’s my goal for next year!

That's so exciting that you can start running again! What country are you in? I know there's a popular tri series in Elwood Victoria if you live in Australia?

 

[Reflected view]

I can send them normally but it says your settings are super private. BTW you should be able to send them if you're over 200 posts. I got over that and still couldn't but asked in the help section and they enabled it.


Done! Sorry I'm having a brain fart (very long work day) but did you want general gym or 'home gym' exercises? If it's the latter let me know what equipment you've got (e.g. A band, a backpack and some heavy books....)

Hey home gym please Iv got bands and some hand weights (5kg are the heaviest Iv got) thank you so much

 

[Melian]

So why do so many folks have PF now days?
Are our trainers too solid to allow our feet to move and flex with ease?

I've got it because of tight calves. Having flat feet doesn't help.

 

[Emmy44]

What’s everyone’s opinion on virtual runs?

 

[Reflected view]

Ice is the worst - there are some roads and pavements here which have been covered in it for about 2 weeks! Second the suggestion about getting some trail shoes or grippier ones - also generally non-paved surfaces are a bit easier to run on (although hard grass has a different sort of ankle twisting danger...)

Slightly running related question but I am considering upgrading my phone from an iPhone 8 (fits in my shorts waistband pocket) to an 11 or 12 (which probably won’t). Any of you runners run with your phones and have any good suggestions about carrying a massive phone? If I’m only doing a short run I don’t bother taking it but longer ones I like to! I don’t like bum bags or arm bands but would consider a flip belt or something very slimline maybe...?!

Hey I’ve got the 12 pro max, I actually put it down the front of my sports bra (put phone it in a food bag) makes your boobs look a bit funny but it works for me

 

[VomitCulture]

Has anyone got any good recommendations for stability trainers to help correct overpronation? Preferably ones that aren’t too pricy.

I currently wear Hoka One Arahis but they start to give me blisters on the bottom of my foot if I do anything above 5k

 

[Titntat]

I've got an arm running band for my phone and take a single house key. About £3 on ebay

 

[Giggling Squid]

I’ve got a toenail blister after a trail run the other day…

it’s so sore. Apologies for the grossness, but do I pop it or leave it?

 

[Mayday]

For the cold, I'd really recommend getting one of those thick running headbands that go over your ears, or some ear warmers! They're a lifesaver.

There's an app called Charity Miles which is pretty fun and a good motivator. They donate to charity for miles you move, and theres loads of different charities you can choose from.

 

[Saddlesoap]

I prefer outside too, but I’m finding it really hard. There’s no way I could’ve done the 5 minutes outside, I only just managed it on a slower speed indoors

Is it the weather?

 

[VomitCulture]

Oh that is interesting! Maybe I need to work on my calves and glutes then! Mad how the body all links up isn’t it. I’ll have a read then try make some changes hopefully it helps.

Worth a shot! Last time I saw a podiatrist they mentioned that I had really tight calves & that my knees knock in when I walk which is exactly what the gait analyst told him so I deffo think thats what’s causing the blisters for me.

I’ve been adding in some strength workouts alongside my runs & one leg and weighted calf raises+ daily calf stretches and foam rolls to try and loosen my calves and I’ve definitely noticed a difference and can run longer before I start to feel the blisters forming.

 

[Steph’s]

I have sunshine and it’s 8 degrees!!

Snow is ok as long as it’s not compacted as it will be like an ice rink. Might make your legs more tired though as you have to use more force to kick off. In the long term that might do you good.

Oh I am jealous!! Think I will give it a go, it’s quite fresh snow so hopefully it won’t be a slip and slide!

 

[Shep]

Yes I have very tight calves - nobody has ever formally told me this - but I can feel how tight they are and I have had issues with my Achilles. I’ll try some strength workouts and hopefully I’ll have positive results like you! Thanks

I’m having problems with my achilles. I have massive calves which I assume make them tight. I have been stretching them to no avail. Now trying some core strengthening exercises
to see if they help

I haven't ran since the end of December and I am finding it so hard to motivate myself to get back out and do it, it's getting warmer and lighter so I've really got no excuse but I just seem to have some sort of mental block preventing me from doing it, even though I know I enjoy it!

They say the step out of the door is the hardest one. Just do it even if it’s only a few hundred metres. The buzz will come back. While I haven’t been working (new job from Monday so I’ll probably be asking for motivation soon) I put my running gear on when I get dressed so I don’t have the excuse of having to change.

The myth that long running = faster running is completely misleading.

If you want to get faster you need to RUN FAST!!!!

Running longer distances will mean you become fitter and therefore able to hold a better pace for those distances but that isn’t improving your actual speed!! Otherwise it’d just be a competition of who can run the highest mileage in the week and that’s not the case.

For me it’s psychological. I can run fast. Even at close to 20 stone I could run 100 metres in a shade over 11 seconds. When I can run again (going to try at the weekend), I will be on the last c25k run of week 7. I know I can go faster but I’m not confident of having the stamina to finish the run.
Another problem is pace generally. I have a pace I swim at a pace I walk at and a pace I run at. I can increase all of them for a short distance but if I try to go slower than my natural pace I feel awkward and uncoordinated so I don’t go too fast early on

I'm going to mention my wonderful new toy/instrument of torture for dodgy gait, tight muscles and the like.

A wooden wobble board. I used to use one in Physio way back in the Dark Ages following a horrendous sprain/ligament/tendon buggerage and loved it. So I banged out about fifteen quid on one this week as it was payday.

It's really hard work, the tilt isn't enough to do any damage, but will stretch and/or challenge almost every muscle in your body. As the basic 'stand on it for five minutes' stops being a challenge, there's squats, standing on one leg and playing catch whilst stood on it. And some people use it for press ups and the like. I'm still doing my best not to fall off. And you can swap between doing it barefoot (strengthening the foot muscles in particular) and with trainers on (working more on the legs and backside).

IIRC, the Physio enthused about them because they help

Balance
Posture
Core strength
Proprioception
Tight muscles
Weak muscles
Non responsive/inactive muscles
Dodgy tendons and ligaments
Low impact
Functional strength
Cardiac fitness (not sure if that's due to physical exertion or just the FUCK I'M GOING TO FALL OFF response, though)

- whilst not contributing towards or exacerbating impact injuries/inflamed areas. Of which I have many.


I think that's everything. Except it's really , really fun - my physio sessions were shared with two huge bikers who had almost identical ankle injuries. We used to play Murderball for ten minutes each time - which is hurling bean bags, basketballs, tennis balls and anything else we could get our hands on at one another whilst all balancing.



Really, really hoping that the gyms open without a hitch, as I need to swim and do some weights as well. I only got as far as a purposeful circuit around the park before I had my vaccine at the weekend. The staff at the GP's looked pleasantly entertained that I turned up to my appointment in full kit - and the 'kind looking' smile I got from a proper runner as he lapped me twice was quite cheering.



I quite like the idea of a Park Walk/possibly trot for a bit but ultimately just get through it without taking all day or collapsing. That's OK on Parkrun, isn't it? I won't be pissing them off by keeping them waiting, will I?

I used a wobble board and bounced a ball off a wall when I tore my ankle ligament many years ago. Worked wonders and was quite good fun

 

[Tea4u]

Be careful, I ignored calf pain for a while and I now have stress fracture from running so that’s awesome. Do you have properly fitted running shoes? Have you checked that your technique is correct too?

That’s why I’m scared! I did go for one run with the calf pain there already and I think that’s what’s screwed it this time.

I have running shoes and not sure about my technique tbh as I’m a newbie

 

[Book]

Soo gutted I completed couch to 5k during first lockdown and then stopped when I went back to work. I’ve tried a few times to get back into it and Jesus Christ, I have no idea how I ever did it before at all so gutted as it was so good for my mental health tried today back to week 5 and literally couldn’t even dunk for 3 mins well I did but it killed me and I quit maybe running just is not for me

 

[~vix~83~]

I got some running belts on Amazon and they fit my 8+ in perfectly. I just searched running belt iPhone 8+!

Thank you

 

[Shep]

Hoping to be able to run again tomorrow. my calf tightened again last week. Usually I’d go swimming but can’t obviously so this week I have done various walks 2, 3, 6, 8 and 10 miles. My feet hurt to buggery after the 10 yesterday. Fingers crossed the walking has strengthened the calf and I will have no problems. I will stretch it and stick some deep heat on too.